THE KESTREL. 
159 
where they settled ; for as it was not a fast flyer, the 
Partridges could outstrip it in speed : it then sprung 
the covey again, and after a few times, the Partridges 
became so wearied, that the Hawk generally suc- 
ceeded in securing as many as it pleased. To catch 
it, a trap or two was set in its regular heat, baited 
with a small rabbit, or the stuffed skin of one ; hut a 
surer mode, particularly in open unenclosed countries, 
was by preparing what were called bird-hushes, about 
half a mile from each other. A large stake was 
driven into the ground, and left standing, about 
seven feet in height; hushes and houghs were then 
laid round this post, and kept loosely open, and 
hollow at the bottom, to the extent of ten or twelve 
yards round the post, for the Partridges to run into 
when pursued by the Goshawk, which they usually 
did after being disturbed two or three times. The 
Goshawk, finding itself disappointed, and unable 
to follow them with its long wings, amongst the 
hushes and briers, after flying round them for some 
turns, was sure to perch upon the top of the post, 
as the only resting-place at hand, and was there 
as sure to he taken by a trap set there for the 
purpose. 
The beautiful, and at the same time very common, 
little Hawk, called the Kestrel (F. tinnunculus ), 
when in search of its prey, may he seen hovering 
high in the air in the same spot, with its head to- 
wards the wind. It has been asserted, by some 
naturalists, that it lives only upon insects and mice, 
and will not touch small birds. This, however, is 
untrue; the Kestrel will not only kill small birds, 
but others nearly as large as itself, as the following 
